Greetings, Creative Enthusiasts, and Welcome to February!
Last month, we embarked on an adventure, inviting you to bring a journal along on your daily voyages. Are you curious about the journey it took you on? Among the inventive responses, Sarah K. shared her unique approach: transforming her monthly journal into an embroidery hoop.
For myself, I adopted a petite 5x7 blank notebook from a local art shop, using it to capture fleeting thoughts, tuck away fragrance samples, and doodle inspirations encountered during my routine waits in the school car line. Despite being a fervent proponent of journaling, carrying one with me at all times was a novel experience. It has quickly become a cherished companion, showing signs of wear that I find endearing. Here's to hoping it sustains me through February!
And on that note...
This month's challenge is to delve into the realm of creativity through reading*.
A brief exploration online reveals an overwhelming selection of over 177,000 books dedicated to creativity. Overwhelmed by choice? We've initiated a curated list for you: Books to Woo Your Creative Spirit
Whether you order a book or find one at your local library, we can’t wait to hear what you pick! Keep reading for some more resources, prompts, and inspiration!
(*Reading, in the context of these prompts, embraces all forms of engaging with content and ideas, including listening to audiobooks, watching documentaries based on books, or exploring alternative formats suited to your time and abilities. We recognize and celebrate the diverse ways individuals connect with and absorb creativity, ensuring that everyone can participate, learn, and be inspired, regardless of their preferred method of exploration.)
Yours between the pages,
Nicole C.
On the Blog: Books to Woo the Creative Spirit
Embarking on a journey to overcome creative block begins with the right resources. Delving into books about creativity offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration, guiding you through the experiences of masters and novices alike. From poets to potters, songwriters to seamstresses, the diversity in creative expression is boundless. Our carefully curated list is a treasure trove for those looking to break through creative barriers, find inspiration for art classes, or simply explore new artistic avenues..
This month’s creative challenge: Pick a non-fiction book to read that *woos* your creative spirit.
This month, my selection is "The Creative Act" by Rick Rubin, a title that consistently pops up on top-book charts. The book has quickly become a treasure trove of inspiration for me; I find myself highlighting, dog-earing pages, and journaling thoughts and reflections on nearly every line. A particularly resonant passage I've marked reads:
“The goal is not to fit in, but to stand out. Value your voice. Cherish it.” — Rick Rubin
Resources to Dive Deeper:
Goodreads List of books on creativity
Sparking Creativity Through Reading: How Reading Stories Can Empower our Creative Brains, Ohio State University
Sneak Peek for Weekly Prompts:
Paid Subscribers to Woo Your Creativity receive an additional 5 prompts to work through each week at their own pace and medium. Here’s one (subscribe today to receive the rest, and be part of the community!):
Hands-on Creative Prompt – Make a bookmark: Gather some art supplies—paper, fabric scraps, ribbons, beads, markers, and anything else you find inspiring—and craft a set of bookmarks that represent different books you love or plan to read. Each bookmark could reflect the theme, mood, or a specific element of its corresponding book. This can be a meditative art project that not only serves a practical purpose but also deepens your connection to the stories you hold dear.
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